David Jones CEO Paul Zahra quits after acquisition by Woolworths South Africa

Paul Zahra says the acquisition of the retailer by Woolworths South Africa provided a "natural exit point".

Dan Himbrechts, file photo: AAP

The high-profile chief executive of David Jones, Paul Zahra, has suddenly quit the company following its recent acquisition by South African firm Woolworths.

Mr Zahra has been replaced by Iain Nairn, who comes to the department store after leading fashion label Country Road.

Woolworths South Africa has run Country Road for the past 17 years and recently took full control of the brand after a long-running feud with retail king Solomon Lew.

That move came during the David Jones acquisition.

Woolworths SA says it is "delighted" at the appointment of Mr Nairn who has 30 years' experience in Australian and international retail.

Prior to Country Road, Mr Nairn was head of the Witchery Group before it was acquired by Country Road in 2012.

Also stepping aside from Country Road to the department store is David Thomas, who will take up the newly created position of chief operating officer.

The moves have sparked a reshuffle at Country Road, with Matt Keogh being promoted from managing director of Witchery to chief of the Country Road Group.

Woolworths SA chief Ian Moir thanked Mr Zahra for his stewardship of David Jones in what he described as difficult circumstances.

"Paul has done a great deal to create a strong and profitable business and provide Woolworths Holding Limited (WHL) with a sound platform for future growth," Mr Moir said.

"I'm pleased that Paul has agreed to stay for a period to support Iain Nairn with the handover and we wish him well for the future."

Mr Zahra said the change of ownership provided a natural exit point for him.

An altercation last year at a board meeting over his performance led Mr Zahra to announce his resignation, which plunged the board and management into chaos.

That led to revelations about questionable share trading from two directors, an investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the resignation of chairman Peter Mason.